Bergson Meets God. His philosophy in light of his life and spiritual conversion

Henri Bergson's philosophical development and his gradual turn toward Christianity advanced in parallel and cannot be understood separately. Central to this process was his discovery of Catholic mysticism, which allowed him to open himself to faith. Bergson became devout in his final moments, and faith influenced his last work. Although he affirmed his moral adherence to Catholicism in his will, he ultimately chose not to formally convert. Separating Bergson's spiritual journey from his philosophy creates an artificial divide that prevents proper interpretation of his thought.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article examines Henri Bergson’s gradual approach to Christianity and his moral adherence to Catholicism in light of his philosophical development. It will argue that Bergson’s work and his spiritual evolution cannot be understood separately, but as advancing in parallel. The study adopts a hermeneutical methodology, drawing on Bergson’s major works, correspondence and testimonies of his contemporaries. It analyses the principal ideas in Bergson’s philosophy which enabled him to open himself to faith. Central to this process of conversion was Bergson’s discovery of Catholic mysticism. The article also shows Bergson as being devout in the final moments of his life, how faith influenced his last work, why Bergson ultimately chose not to convert to Catholicism even though he left in his will an affirmation of his moral adherence to Catholicism. The article concludes that separating Bergson’s spiritual journey from his philosophical work is an artificial divide that prevents a proper interpretation of his philosophy.